When breaking on a bike what situations do you use the rear, front break or both?

Question

I just got into cycling and have really increased my speed. Up until now I have really only used the rear brakes and that is working out fine. I have heard to always use your rear brake, unless it is an emergency situation. But then I just read this website that told you to never use your rear brakes except in rainy/down hill conditions. Any cyclists out there willing to share their experience and wisdom?

Answer 1

Use your rear brake normally, use your front brake when you need to slow down faster than your rear brake will let you, after you've started to apply the rear break. NEVER, slam on the front break while going full speed, this could cause your bike to do a somersault and launch you into whatever your trying not to hit. I know from experience. Use your rear brake, if you realize you aren't going to stop as fast as you want to, after you've started on the rear brake, then apply the front brake.
So, the front brake can be used in conjunction with the rear brake in an emergency, or by itself at low speeds, but never by itself in an emergency.
I used to race bmx bikes and you were only allowed to have a rear brake for safety reasons, so people wouldn't use the front brake improperly and cause themselves to crash.

p.s. the front brake has twice the stopping power as your rear brake, which is another reason to be careful when using it. you don't need to apply as much pressure to front brakes as you do the rear brakes, to get the same stopping power. So, again use them in conjunction, but be care full about using the front brake exclusively.

Answer 2

I assume your speaking motorcycle but the concept applies equally to bicycles. I have personally tested the braking action more than needed and would be glad to share my aquired knowledge only because you must be an intelligent person (1.You are smart enough to ask the question so you must have the ability to learn! 2.You are interested in prolonging your life and the lives of others! ) It is all about the front brake! It is your best friend on a motorcycle! If you are planning to slow or stop(as opposed to an emergency situation)then begin by slowly shifting down through your gears and letting the engine do some breaking for you,then depending on your hand size and strength keep your index finger and thumb wrapped around the throttle while reaching 1 to 3 of your remaining fingers to the brake lever and start by gently pulling on it. It doesn't take much pressure at all to make a lot of braking action so be careful at first! It is the combination of downshifting,front braking and rear brake that is going to have the desired results.The least effective of all three is the back brake!O K,that was a planned stop on dry pavement.Wet pavement is basically the same when the temp is above freezing but when the temp is close to or below freezing or there is gravel or even the possibility of either on the road ahead its another program!!!OK here we go this is very important! If there is gravel ahead ,any gravel,dirt,ice,snow,anything,or even the possibility of it then you have got to keep either one of your tires from locking up!(stopping,not turning,rotating)especially the front tire)so when downshifting be very careful not to go too far too fast and apply the rear brake carefully to keep from locking the rear tire and be ready for it and pull in the clutch and release the rear brake both at the same time,it should start turning again,then you can re apply the rear brake againbut keep the clutch lever pulled in case it locks again and repeat that cycle as many times as needed, DO NOT PULL ON THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER AT ALL WHILE EXPIRIENCING A REAR WHEEL LOCKUP!!The result will be the most unhappy thing you will ever do on a motorcycle! I call it the SLAPDOWN!and it ******* hurts!Your bike will slap you down so fast you wont even have time to piss yourself first!Your bike will lay down on its right side in a hurry! Your right foot will be on the rear brake so it will get caught and over stretched and thats just the beginning. You will be slapped to the pavement so fast it will make you cry!So learn from my mistakes(testing)so that you never have to expirience it for yourself!

Answer 3

Use both most of the time, but more emphasis on the front brake. If you skid (lose traction) with the rear tire (using the rear brake only), you don't slow down near as well. Using the front brake helps, as it is really the stronger brake (long disertation which I won't get in to here, see link below).

Slow down before you turn. IF you really need to brake while turning, rear brake only to keep the potential of the front end going out from under you (ugh, not fun).

If you have to brake really hard -- as in an emergency -- scoot your butt off the back of the saddle to keep from going over the bars and again, mostly front but rear brake as well. Squeeze hard. If the rear end starts to skid, let up a little on the front brake (you're actually lifting it off the ground a small bit).

And if you're not comfortable with these techniques, practice in a big open field first!

Also, contrary to the above posters, you can indeed use the front only quite safely. Ask any NYC messenger.

Answer 4

Whoever told you to only use your rear brake only rides BMX.

ALWAYS USE BOTH BRAKES!

How much to use each one will come with practice, but when you get over 70% of your stopping power from your front brake, it's a good idea to learn to use it! On a motorcycle, the front wheel has two huge discs, each with four to eight pistons in the brake caliper; the rear is a single small disc, usually with only two pistons- why do you suppose that is?

When you put on the brakes, the wheels of the bike are trying to stop. Your body weight is still moving forward, and physics dictates that there will be weight transferred to the front wheel.

With far less weight on the rear tire, it has less friction to stop you with, which is why it's easy to skid with the rear brake. Shifting your weight back when braking helps keep the rear wheel down as well.

Use the front brake more often, but build up gradually until you feel confident in how each one feels and can use them as needed.

Answer 5

70-80% of your braking power is in the front so when hard braking is called for, use both brakes. I often shift my weight slightly rearward if braking forcefully. For scrubbing off some speed like in a paceline, I usually use the rear only. When going downhill in a road bike, I use both. When you brake, your weight is thrown forward which makes it more difficult for your fronts to lock up. At the same time your rears could lose traction and skid, making for lobger brake distances. Practice your braking technique and don't be afraid to use the front.

Answer 6

i work on bikes and i recommend using your front brakes only when nessecary cause u will flip even when both brakes are used but when u need to stop going up hill should u use front brakes but front brakes come in handy when u go slow and need to make an immediate stop and u will not skid to bust your tires going down hill and fast on flat surfaces u should slow using your rear brakes both should be used when its an emergency situation when going a decent speed not to fast not to slow but using front brakes easy on the brake which will HEAVILY DECREASE the chances of flipping over the handle bars but still slam the rear brakes hard as u can which will allow the front brakes to not have to stop so suddenly and again front brakes are only to be used in emergency situations

Answer 7

Use both.

Learn to "modulate"
Learn to skid the rear and what it feels like just before that.
Learn how front and rear braking affect the bike differently.
Learn how to panic stop including shifting your weight backwards on the seat.

These require practice and experimentation. Wear a helmet.

Answer 8

It is advisable to use rear brakes always....it is safe also.But in times
if sudden break is to be applied apply both the brakes simultaneously.At any cost dont use front brake alone without prior practice.

Answer 9

I would ease on the both brakes this will work for most situations, but "NEVER" use the front brakes by themselves this will cause you to flip over the handle bars, Wipe Out.

Answer 10

On my harley I use both applied equally. The bike will stop faster and is less likely to slide. However, in loose gravel ect, be carefull and use the back brake only so not to loose steering..

Its all about control, If you apply the rear and it starts to slide keep it straight. If you apply both and the front starts to get loose let off the front one.